MSET 365 Sarah Kniss February 9, 2011

 What characteristics does an insect have?  How can we distinguish an insect from other living things?  What exactly is an insect? Who wants to go on an adventure to discover insects?

 Explain a KWL Chart. K (knowledge) W (what we want to know) and L (what we learned).  In small groups have students create their own KWL chart, filling out what students know now and what they want to know about insects.  Compare and contrast with other groups in the class.

 Yes, this is an insect.  WHY?  Bees are arthropods, having six legs and two antennae.

 No, this is not an insect.  WHY?  Centipedes do not have three, separate body parts. The head is ONE. The thorax is TWO. And the abdomen is THREE.

 No, this is not an insect.  WHY?  A spider is not an insect because a spider has 8 legs and does not have three parts to it’s body.  Spiders and arachnoids.

 Yes, this is an insect.  WHY?  An ant has an exoskeleton which protects and supports an insects body.

 No, this is not an insect.  WHY?  A crab is not an insect because they have 8 legs and no antennae.  Crabs are a crustacean.

 Arthropods  3 pairs of jointed legs (six total)  Exoskeleton  3 body parts : Head, Thorax, and Abdomen  Compound eyes  2 antennae

 Ask students to complete the “L” (learned) section of their chart.

Bee Picture: Centipede Picture: Spider Picture: Ant Picture: Crab Picture: Insect Information: Sources